Apparatus for cutting thread or the like



y 21, 1940- 1.. J. JORDAN 2,201,180

APPARATUS FOR CUTTING THREAD OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 18, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Lav e rn J. Jord n dttorneg y 1940' L. J. JORDAN 2,201,180

APPARATUS FOR CUTTING THREAD OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 18, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ISnnentor Lavern J. Jordan (Iflomcg I I44, I

y 21, 1940- 1.. J. JORDAN 2,201,180

APPARATUS FOR CUTTING THREAD OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 18, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Bnnentor d nomeg Patented May 2 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Lavern J. Jordan, Fairvicw Villag Ohio, assign;-

to Industrial Rayon Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation oi Delaware Application November 18, 1938, Serial No. 241,240 19 Claims. (01.184-61) housing for said blades being omitted for the I This invention relates to cutting apparatus adapted to reduce continuous lengths of thread or the like, for example, continuous bundles of filaments, into fibers of staple length.

Among other things, the invention provides apparatus of this sort adapted for use in a system of manufacturing staple fiber employing continuously functioning means for forming and processing the filament bundles (thread"). In view of the fact that it can be operated-without difficulty over long periods of time, the cutting apparatus of the invention may be employed to particular advantage in this connection. It also has the advantage that it embodies means which operate to halt the cutting operation in the event of deviation of the thread from its normal path of travel, as a result, for example, of breakage or tangling of the thread, without making it necessary to discontinue the operation of the continuously functioning forming and processing equipment. The cutting apparatus of the present invention provides still other features, disclosed at greater length hereinafter, which adapt it particularly well to use in the manufacture of staple fiber.

For convenience, the cutting apparatus of the' present invention will be described in connection with the manufacture of staple fiber by a process generally similar to that shown, described and claimed in application Serial No. l44,582, filed May 25, 1937, by Hayden B. Kline and Lavern J. Jordan. Like that of said prior application, the invention of the present application may be employed in the manufacture of a varietyof types of staple fiber, such as that formed from viscose. cellulose acetate, cuprammonium'cellulose solution, casein, etc., in addition to which it may, if desired, be used in the manufacture of staple fiber produced by still other processes and by means of other types of thread-producing apparatus. As in said prior application, the invention will be described in connection with the manufacture of viscose staple fiber.

In the drawings, Figure 1 shows a side elevation of cutting apparatus embodying the invention as employed in conjunction with continuous processing equipment of the type'disclosed in application Serial No. 144,582. F'lg ure 2 is a longitudinal section on an enlarged scale through the cutting apparatus itself, the section being taken on linesZ-Z of Figures 3 and-.5. Figure3 isa plan with parts in section of the cutting apparatus as seen from line 3-3 of Figure .2. Figure 4 is an elevation of the cutting" apparatus from line sake of clearness.

Figure 5 is a plan of the cutting apparatus. as a whole from line 5-5 of and on the same scale as Figure 1. Figure 6 is a detail elevation from line 8-6 of Figure 3 showing the actuating solenoid for the mechanism which operates to sever the thread in the event of entangling of the thread or of a deviation of the thread from its normal path of travel. Figure '7 is a wiring diagram showing the circuit employed to perform the hereinafter described operations in the event of interruption of the normal travel of the thread to the cutting blades.

In the drawings, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.

In the apparatus shown in Figure l, a plurality of threads I are processed on thread-advancing,

thread-storage devices 2 of the continuous processing apparatus 3. The threads are combined into a single large thread la bythe guide 4, from which the thread Ia passes to the cutting apparatus 5. In the latter, the threads Ia are cut into fibers of staple length which drop onto the moving belt 6 of the drying apparatus I. In the drying apparatus 1, the staple fiber is gradually dried, being discharged from the other end thereof into a suitable receptacle. All of the operations mentioned are performed continuously.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention,

- the continuous processing apparatus 3 is generally similar to that shown in the above-mentioned prior application. The thread-advancing reels 2 are of the same type as those disclosed in said application, being generally similar to and operating on the same principle as the threadadvancing reels shown in British Patent No. 413,414. The reels 2 of the present application, like those of said prior application, differ from those of the British patent in that they are supported from one end thereof and have the other end; i. e., the end shown in Figure 1, unobstructed by anything impeding the discharge of the thread. Each of said reels 2 continuously but temporarily stores the thread in a large number of closely spaced generally helical turns which are advanced during rotation of the reel from the supported to the unsupported end thereof.

Suitable processing liquids are applied to the thread on reels 2 from reagent distributors l, the liquid being collected in troughs ldisposed beneath said reels. 7

,The continuous processing apparatus 3 may conveniently comprise a plurality of laterally extending series of reels, each of which processes a single thread I. The reels in each lateral series may to advantage be disposed in oflset arrangement with their unsupported ends extending in the same direction so that the supported end of each succeeding reel is in apposite relation to the unsupported end of the preceding reel. The machine as a whole may conveniently be double sided, each side comprising a plurality of said superposed laterally extending series of reels. Preferably, the completely processed wet threads I from both sides of the machine are combined into the single large thread la of several thousand denier, which may be cut by the improved cutting apparatus of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, inclusive, the illustrated cutting apparatus comprises a rotating cutting head ll having one or more blades l2, cutting taking place between the blades I! of the rotating cutting head II and the stationary blade l3.

In the improved cutting apparatus of the present invention, the cutting head II is mounted on the shaft l4 joumalled in spaced bearings l5, which may be thrust-type roller bearings. Bearings ii are mounted on the frame member i6 of the cutting apparatus which, as shown in Figure 3, comprisesside members l1 having fixed thereto suitable cross members I8. Shaft I4 is rotated by means of a helical gear l9 mounted thereon meshing with helical gear driven from shaft 22. The shaft l4 and gear it are accurately located endwise by means of spacer collar 23 and by lock nuts 25 threaded on sleeve 26. By adjustment of lock nuts 25 on sleeve 26, the shaft can be accurately located endwise between the bearings IE to provide the desired operating clearance. Furthermore, by adjustment of nuts 25 wear, if any, can be compensated for. A housing member 21 may be provided as shown to enclose the gears l9 and 20.

As shown in Figure 4, the cutting head II in the illustrated embodiment of the invention is provided with four blades l2. Either more or less blades may be employed, the number being dependent upon the speed of travel of the thread, the speed of rotation of the cutting head H, and the desired length of the staple fiber being cut. As shown in Figure 4, the cutting edge of each blade I! in the illustrated embodiment of the invention does not coincide with the cutting edge of stationary blade l3 when the blade I! is in the horizontal position, but is ofi'set therefrom in the direction of rotation of the blades l2. This arrangement results in a wiping or slicing action providing more emcient cutting as compared with the chopping action which would result if the edges of each blade l2 and stationary blade l3 were to coincide.

The stationary blade member l3 with which the rotating blades i2 cooperate to cut the thread la into fibers of staple length is mounted on a carriage 28 which includes a cross member 29, on which the blade member I3 is mounted, and spaced upright members 3|. Upright members 3| are slidably mounted in guideways 32 mount ed on frame I6. They may be locked in position by bolts 33 threaded into upright members 3| passing through slots in said frame It. Accurate adjustment of the carriage 28 lengthwise of frame member I6 is made possible by differential screws 34 and nuts 35 engaging lugs 36 o t frame and upright members 3i. In this manner, the clearance between the stationary blade member l3 and the rotating blades II, which clearance is of the order of a few thousandths of an material, such as tungsten carbide or suitable alloys, to minimize the necessity for re-sharpening or replacement of the blades.-

In the illustrated embodiment of the inventionyupper and lower nip rolls 3! and 36 are mounted on the carriage 28 in close proximity to stationary blade i3 in order to draw the thread Ia and feed it to the cutting blades. Rolls3l and 38 are journalled in bearing blocks 38 as shown in Figures 4 and 5 which are disposed in slots 4| in the upright members 3! of the carriage 28. The inner edges of said slots act as guiding surfaces for the slidably mounted bcaring blocks 38 for the upper roll 31, which can therefore move upward or downward. Springs 42 adjustably located by bolts 43 mounted on upright members 3| and bearing against the bearing blocks-38 at opposite ends of upper roll 31 serve to urge said roll 31 against lower roll 38 and thus nip. the thread in between the two rolls. The pressure of the upper roll on the lower can be changed by adjustment of the bolts 43 to vary the compression of springs 42.

A housing 44 may, as shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, be provided to enclose the cutting blades I: to prevent scattering of the cut staple fiber and to provide for the protection of operators. Rotation of the lower roll 38, which is positively driven, causes the rolls to nip between them the thread la and feed it to the cutting blades l2. Suitable guiding means are preferably provided in close proximity to the rolls 3'! and 38 to guide the thread la to the cutting blades. .Such guiding means takes the form of a tubular member 45 adjustably mounted by means of bracket 46 on a cross member 41 extending between the upright members 3|. In the apparatus shown, a jet of air is supplied from a suitably positioned tube 48 which is connected to a source of compressed air (not shown). The air stream is preferably directed downward on the stationary blade I3 to hold the thread down 1on said blade and prevent the thread from curl- The apparatus illustrated as embodying the invention also includes means for easily and accurately changing the length of the staple fiber being produced.

In such apparatus, changes in the length of the product are effected by changing the speed of rotation of the cutting head H with respect 3 ets 55. The driven shaft 56 of said speed-changing unit 5| is coupled to the driving shaft 51 of the other speed-changing unit 52. This shaft is connected through chain 58, sprockets 59, shaft 6|, and chain 62 and sprockets 63 to the shaft 64 for lower roll 38. The driven shaft 65 of said change speed unit 52 is connected by chain 66 and sprockets 61 to rotate the drive shaft 22 from which the cutting head I I is rotated through helical gears l9 and 20.

By turning adjusting knob 68 on change speed unit Imus speed ofthe driven shaft to of said unit ll may be changed with respect to that of driving shaft II. Since'both the nip rolls. and

cutting head are rotated iromt shait 51; i. e., from driven shaft", thespeed of the apparatus as a whole is changed. The nip rolls and cutting head-rotate in timed relation; consequently, the elect is to vary the speed of take-upof the thread from the continuous processing machine. It follows that by such an adjustment,

a change may be effected at will in the tension of the thread between the continuous processing apparatus and the cutting apparatus. Under certain circumstances. as where, the type oi thread is changed, it is necessary that the speed of the continuous processing apparatus be changed, in

which case the speed of the cuttingapparatus' may be by the present invention easily changed to correspond;

By adJustment of the knob 69 of change speed unit 52, the speed of driven shaft 85 of said change speed unit may be varied with respect to the speed of driving shaft 51 of said unit. Consequently, the speed of rotation of the cutting head II which is connected to said driven shaft 65 maybe changed with respect to the'speed of rotation of the nip roll It, which is driven from driving shaft I! of said change speed unit. In this manner the length of the product may be varied as desired. As with changes in the speed of the cutting apparatus as a whole, the change in the length of the staple fiber may be made while the cutting apparatus is operating without a thread la deviates from its normal path of travel to the cutting blades.-

It occasionally happens that the thread, particularly since it is moist, clings to one ofv the nip rolls 31, 3| and is carried around with said roll. In a very short time, due to the highspeed of travel of the thread, the resulting mass becomes great enough to jam and break the cutting apparatus. Again, it happens occasionally that the thread Ia strikes the cutting blade at an angle other than the intended angle, causing the production of staple fiber of varying lengths. It is not practicable in a commercial plant to have an operator watching each cutting apparatus in order to correct such conditions as they arise or to halt the cutting apparatus to prevent breakage of parts; accordingly, the invention provides means for halting the cutting operation in theevent that such contingencies occur.

If ordinary cutting apparatus were to be employed in conjunction with apparatus of the type illustrated for the continuous production of the thread la, the continuous processing apparatus would have to be halted whenever it were to bev come necessary to halt the cutting app ratus.

' After an interr'uptionof this sort, the task of restarting the thread ,on'all ofthe thread-advanc ing reels involves considerable time, labor and expense. Even if it were necessary to stopthe may be actuated by various means.

cutting apparatus for only a few minutes connecessity of re-starting thethreads throughout thefcontinuous processing a pa atus. In order to avoidsuch dimculties, the invention includes means for halting. the cutting operation in the event oi deviation or entangling' of the thread and, coupled therewith, means providing for'continuous withdrawal of the thread from the conftinuous processing apparatus during the time the cutting apparatus is halted.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention,

a tubular member II is disposed with its discharge end adjacent the entrance end of the previously described tubular guiding member 4!. This tubular member is pivotally mounted by means of pins I2 journalled in spaced supporting members 13 fixed to the frame ll of the cutting apparatus.

. A handle 14 may be mounted as shown oh one of said pins. to return the tubular member 4| to its original position. Pins 15 mounted on saidftubular member and spaced from said pins I2 move in curved slots," in supporting membars 13. The tubular member II 'is thus capable of 'arcuate movement in a predetermined path about the axis of pins 12. In normal operation of the cutting apparatus, the thread la passes through said tube II, which is in the position shown in full lines in Figure 2, and thence through tubularmemberfl to the nip rolls 3'! and 38.

In the event, however, of entangling of the thread about one of the nip rolls or other. inter- .ruption of the normal cutting action, the tubular member H is caused to swing downward about the axis of pins 12 to a position shown by the broken lines 'H' in Figure 2. As the tubular member II moves downward, the discharge end thereof passes in close proximity to an auxiliary cutting blade 11, adjusted by means of a handle 18, which is mounted between said spaced supporting members 13. The discharge end of tubular member H may, if desired, be provided with y a cutting sleeve 19 which cooperates with blade |1, which cutting sleeve is preferably removably mounted on said tubular member by means of a bayonet-spring type Joint. Therefore, as the tubular member Ii swings-downward to the position indicated by broken lines, the thread la is severed by the auxiliary blade TI. Means such as spring clip 8| may be provided to hold tubular member II in operating position.

Means may also be provided to aid in passing the bundle of filaments through said tubular member II. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, an airtube I2 is provided which directs a stream of air through said tubular member in the direction of travel of the thread la. A'valve l8 isprovidedtocontrol the air stream supplied to said tube. As the tubular member 'Il moves to the position II, the handle of valve it strikes a member {4 carried by'one of the spaced supporting members 13 and turns on the valve, so that a stream of air is directed through said tubular member H to urgeithe thread la through said-:tube. .Therefore, the thread in, having been severed from that portion which slderable trouble would be entailed due w the has passed. through the cutting blades of the a cutting apparatus, may continue to pass through .said tubular member If and be collected below the cutting ap fi us'.

The auxiliary cutting device represented by tubular member '1 I; audits associated apparatus In the illustrated apparatus, 1 the tubular member II is Iii members 18. The plunger 88 of solenoid 88 is connected to an arm 81.mounte d on one of. the pins 12. fixed to said'tubular member 1|,--as shown in Figure 6. Movement of the plunger of said solenoid when it is energized by suitable means causes the tubular member. 1| to pivot with the results above described.

While various other means might be employed, the apparatus illustrated as embodying the invention is provided with a suitable source of light, such as the bulb 88, which directs a stream of light downward ontothe stationary blade member 18. A hole 89 in said stationary blade member I8 is so located as to-be covered in the normal operation of the cutting apparatus by the thread traveling to the cutting blades l8. Suitable light sensitive means capable of controlling an electric current, such as a photo-electric cell 9|, are provided beneath the stationary blade A suitable electric circuit such as that shown m Figure 7 is provided in the illustrated apparatus to connect the photo-electric cell 9| to the solenoid 85'. In normal operation of the apparatus, the hole 89 is obstructed by the thread passing to the cutting blades I2, so that no light strikes the photo-electric cell 9|. However, if the thread deviates from its normal path, as, for instance, if it happens to wind around one of the nip rolls 81 or 88, the hole 89 isuncovered and the photoelectric cell 9|, which is activated, by the beam of light passing through said hole, causes the solenoid 85 to move the tubular member 1| to the position indicated by the broken lines 1|,

thus severing the thread passing-to the cutting blades.

A warning signal I94, such as a suitable light or sound device, may be provided to. indicate that the cutting apparatus requires attention, such signal being actuated by the photo-electric cell 9| or, if desired, by the solenoid 85.

It is desirable, furthermore, that at the same time that the thread It: passing to the cutting apparatus is severed, the operation of the cutting apparatus as a whole behalted. This is advantageous since it often happens that, when it tangles, the thread |a winds about the upper roll 31, causing said roll to jam. The lower roll, being positively driven, continues -to-rotate and, if it is made of rubber,.n1ay be scored and destroyed by the thread tangled about the upper roll 31. If, however, the. cutting apparatus is halted as soon as the threadbecomes entangled, this difilculty is obviated. To this end, the illustrated apparatus is provided as hereinafter more fully disclosed with means actuated by the photoelectric cell 9| for halting the operation of the cutting apparatus as a whole hr-the event of deiglilation of the thread from its'predetermined It is desirable, although under certain circumstances not absolutely necessary, to provide an auxiliary motor 92 to aid in withdrawing the thread from the continuous processing apparatus, particularly after the thread proceeding to the cutting apparatus has been severed and is no longer drawn by the nip rolls 31 and 38. A contacting roller 93 carried by the spring-tensioned bracket 94 presses the thread la-against the pulley 95 on motor 92 to insure suflicient grip to permit the motor 92 to withdraw the thread from the continuous processing apparatus. Preferably,

the motor 92 is not driven during normal operation of the cutting apparatus as a whole, since the nip rolls 3]. 88 are sufllcient to withdraw thread from the processing apparatus. The motor 82 is, however, positivelydriven after the cuttin Operation ishalted, said motor being actuated from the photo-electric cell-9| at the time the auxiliary cutting means is actuated. In the apparatus shown, the motor 92 is supported by the brackets 98which also support the guide 4 which combines the separate threads I into the thick threads la.

Figure 7 is a simplified wiring diagram showing the electrical circuits employed to actuate the various portions of the illustrated apparatus. In the circuit of Figure 7, 91 and 98 are the main lines from which power is supplied, a switch 89 being provided to disconnect the entire apparatus when it is desired to shut it down. The bulb 88 is supplied with-current from said lines 91 and 98, as is the amplifier which amplifies the relatively weak currents in the lines I92, I88

comprising the circuit connecting the photo-electric cell 9| to the amplifier. The solenoid 85, drive motor 49 for the cutting apparatus, warning signal Hi4, and auxiliary motor 92 are controlled by the photo-electric cell 9| through the amplifier llli. Thus the solenoid 85 is connected to the mainlines 91 and 98 by lines I85, 18, being controlled from the amplifier ||l| by a relay I91 connected to the amplifier ||l| by lines I88, I89. When the photo-electric cell 9| is energized by the light beam from the bulb 88, the relay I01 completes the circuit through line N5, the coil of the solenoid and line I06, thus energizing the solenoid and causing the thread la tobe cut as above described.-

The drive motor 49 for the cutting apparatus under ordinary conditions is supplied with power from lifies 91, 98 through lines Ill and 2, being controlled from the amplifier ||l| by the relay ||3 which is connected to the amplifier by lines H4, H5. Therefore, during normal operation of the cutting apparatus the motor 49 is driving the cutting apparatus. When the thread la deviates from its normal path and light from bulb 88 strikes photo-electric cell 9|, the relay H3 is energized through the amplifier Illl, interru'pting the circuit in line I and halting the motor 49. The warning signal I94 is connected to amplifier |8| by lines I i6, 1, and is put into operation through the amplifier |0| when the light beam strikes the photo-electric cell 9| as a result of deviation of the thread la from its normal path of travel.

In the circuit of Figure 7, the auxiliary motor 92 does not operate during normal operation of the cutting apparatus as a whole. It is adapted to be connected to the power lines 91, 98 through lines Band 9. 'Relay |2| is connected through lines I22, l28'to the amplifier IM to control said motor 92 from the photo-electric cell 9|. As has been mentioned, during normal operation of the cutting apparatus the motor 92 which withdraws the thread lafrom the continuous processing apparatus is not operating; however, in the event of deviation of the thread and the consequent actuation of the photo-electric cell 9| by a light beam from bulb 88, the impulse from which photo-electric cell 9| is amplified by amplifier II, the relay |2| completes the circuit through lines- H8 and II 9 and starts the motor 92.

It is desirable that while the operator is working at the cutting apparatus, as to correct the conditions which caused the thread la to deviate from its normal path of travel, obstruction by his hands of the light cast by the bulb 88 on the photo-electric cell 8| should not start up the cutting apparatus as a whole and thus expose him to danger from the rotating blades I2. In starting the thread in through the apparatus,

5 it is further desirable that the solenoid 88 be de-energized so that it may be swung to normal operating position and remain there; also, that the motor 48 for driving the cutting apparatus as a whole be capable of operation without being 10 controlled by photo-electric cell 8|, since until such time as thread la is fed through the nip rolls, hole 88 is unobstructed, permitting the photo-electric cell 8i to halt the motor 48. The illustrated circuit therefore not only provides means for permitting operation of the motor 48 free of control of the photo-electric cell 8I at a time when the solenoid II is de-energized, but also provides means for disconnecting from the power source the motor 48, bulb 88, solenoid 88 0 and warning signal I84, all without halting operation of auxiliary motor 82.

For these purposes, a variety of control systems may be employed. Preferably, however, a control system is used employing the drum switch indicated generally at I24. Said switch I24 comprises a movable contact I25 which is connected to the live side of line 88; a stationary contact I28 connected to the other side of line 88; a stationary contact I21 connected through line I28 to the same side of auxiliary motor 82 as line II8, which is adapted to be connected to said motor under the influence of the photo-electric cell 8|; and a stationary contact I28 similarly connected through line I8I to the side ofmotor 48 to which line III is adapted to be connected when not under the influence of photo-electric cell 8|.

For normal operation of the apparatus, the circuit is as shown in Figure 7, the movable contact I25 being positioned as shown at A in Figure 7 to complete the circuit through contact I28. Therefore, current is supplied through lines 81 and 88 to bulb 88 and to amplifier IIII. The thread Ia, however, prevents light from bulb 88 from striking the photo-electric cell 8 I. Accordingly, the circuits to the solenoid as, auxiliary motor 82, and the warning signal 48 are not closed, while the circuit to the cutting apparatus drive motor 48 is closed.

Assuming that the thread la is caused to deviate from its normal path of travel, as by winding around one of the nip rolls, the light from bulb 88 strikes photo-electric cell 8|. 8

The resulting impulse is amplified by amplifier I 8|, which causes the relay I81 to energize sole- I noid as, thus cutting the thread Ia before it passes to the blades of the cutting apparatus. It also causes relay II8 to interrupt the circuit to motor 48, thus halting the operation of the cutting apparatus. It further initiates and con- 00 tinues operation of the warning signal I84, indicating to the operator that something is wrong. At the same time, it causes relay I2I to complete the circuit to motor 82 through lines I I8 and H8, thus starting operation of the auxiliary motor 82 to aid in withdrawing the thread from the cutting apparatus. The thread in is thus caused to pass through the tubular member H but not to the nip rolls 81, 88 or cutting blades I2, being aided through tubular member I I by the air stream from tube 82.. g

The operator in due course shifts the movable contact I28 of drum switch I24 from the normal operating position A shown in full lines in-Figure '1 to cause it to rest upon stationary contact I21, as in some position 8. Therefore, everything to the left of switch I24 is disconnected; i. e., the motor 48, the solenoid 88, the bulb 88, the amplifier III, and warning signal I84. However, direct connection of the motor 82 to lines 81and 88 is made through lines I I8, I28, fixed contact 8 I21 and movable contact I28. Preferably, fixed contact I28 overlaps fixed contact I21 as shown, so that the current to themotor 82 is not interrupted as the contact I28 is moved across fixed contact I21. Consequently, motor 82 is still 10 withdrawing the thread from the processing apparatus while the remainder of the apparatus is disconnected from the circuit to permit the operator to work in safety.

When the operator is ready to start the thread 18 la through the cutting apparatus as a whole, he shifts the movable contact I28 to the position C, where it abuts fixed contacts I21 and I28.

As a result, motor 48 is put in operation, since it is connected'to lines 81 and 88 through line H2, line I8I, fixed contact I28 and movable contact I28, which is connected to line 88. The bulb 88, amplifier IIII, solenoid 88, and warning signal I84 are disconnected. The operator then swings the tubular member H to the normal 25 operating position, which cuts the thread In. on the lower edge of auxiliary blade 11 and forms a new leading end which may be fed through tubular guide member 45 by means of an air jet supplied from tube 82 and thence to the rotating 3o nip rolls 31, 88 of the cutting apparatus, after which the air from tube 82 may be shut off by valve 88. The nip rolls 81, 88 seize the thread and feed it to the rotating cutting blades I2. During this time the auxiliary motor 82 has been 35 operating, but, if desired, it can be disconnected by merely moving the contact I28 beyond fixed contact I21.

The cutting apparatus being now in operation, the operator can put the apparatus on control 40 by moving contact I28 to position A.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention is also provided with means for spreading the staple fiber over the belt 8 of the drying apparatus l in order to make possible more nearly 45 uniform drying. In the apparatus shown in Figure i, such means take the form of a rotating disc I82 disposed directly beneath the lower end of housing 44 which rotating disc I82 is mounted at an angle to its axis of rotation. The disc 50 scatters the discharged staple fiber, which may be in the form of short, flat, ribbon-like chips, over the moving drying belt 8. The disc may be rotated by any of various means; for instance, it may be rotated by an individual motor, such as a motor I88 shown, or, by means of a flexible shaft, from motor 48.

The cutting apparatus as a whole is preferably disposed as shown with the axis of rotation of the cutting blades I2 inclined from the horizontal; i. e., so disposed that the thread Ia travels in an inclined path.

It is obvious that both inv the mechanical and electrical aspects thereof numerous changes may be made in the apparatus illustrated as embody- 5 ing the invention without in any way departing from the spirit of the invention. It is further obvious that not only thread of the kind described but also many other thread-like articles may be reduced by the apparatus of the inven- 7 tion to fibers of relatively short length: such thread-like articles are intended to be comprehended by the term thread or the like" as hereinafter used. It is intended that the patent shall cover, by suitable. expression in the ag- 7s pended claims, whatever features of patentable novelty reside in the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for severing substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into relatively short lengths comprising severing means; means for supplying the thread or the like to'said, severing means; and means for severing the thread or the like before it reaches said firstmentioned severing means in the event of deviation of the unsevered thread or the like fromits predetermined path of travel to said first-mentioned severing means. a

2. Apparatus for severing substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into relatively short lengths comprising a source from which thread or the like is continuously supplied; means for severing the thread or the like into relatively short lengths; means for feedhig the thread or the like to said severing means; and means for severing the thread or the like and diverting it from its normal path of travel to said first-mentioned severing means in the event of deviation of the unsevered thread or the like from its predetermined path of travel between said source and said first-mentioned severing means.

3. Apparatusfor severing substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into relatively short lengths comprising a source from which the thread or the like is continuously supplied; means for severing the thread or the like into relatively short lengths; means for feeding the thread or the like to said severing means; means for severing the thread or the like and diverting it from its'normal path of travel to said first-mentioned severing means in the event of deviation of the unsevered thread or the like from its predetermined path of travel between said source and said first-mentioned severing means; and means for withdrawing the unsevered thread or the like from said source after the thread or the like has been severed by said last-mentioned severing means.

4. Apparatus for severing substantially continuous lengths of thread or thelike into relatively short lengths comprising severing means;

means for feeding the thread or the like to said severing means; and means for severing the thread or the like before it reaches said firstmentioned severing means and halting the operation of said first-mentioned severing means in the event the unsevered thread or the like becomes entangled in travelling to said first-mentioned severing means.

5. Apparatus for severing substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into relatively short lengths :comprising a source from which the thread or the like is continuously supplied; severing means; means for halting the operation of said severing means in the event the unsevered thread or the like becomes entangled in travelling to said severing means; and means for continuously withdrawing the thread or the like from said source while said severing means are halted 6. Apparatus for cutting substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into relatively short lengths comprising cutting means; nip rolls for feeding the thread or the like to said cutting means; and means for severing the tmcut thread or the like before it reaches said nip rolls in the event the uncut thread or the like winds about one or more of said nip rolls.

7.. Apparatus for-cutting substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into relatively short lengths comprising cutting means; nip rolls for feeding the thread or the like to said cutting means; and means actuated by deviation of the uncut thread or the like from a predetermined path of travel between said nip rolls and said cutting means for severing the thread or the like before it passes to said nip rolls.

8. Apparatus for cutting substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into relatively short lengths comprising. cutting means; nip rolls forfeeding the thread or the like to said cutting means; and means for severing the thread or the like before it reaches said nip rolls and halting the operation of said cutting means in the event the uncut thread or the like winds about one or more of said nip rolls.

9. Apparatus for cutting substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into relatively short lengths comprising a source which continuously. supplies thread or the like; cutting means for severing the thread or the like into relatively short lengths; nip rolls for feeding the thread or the like to said cutting means; means for severlng the thread or the like before it reaches said nip rolls in the event the uncut thread or the like winds about oneor more of said nip rolls; and means for withdrawing. the thread or the like from said source after the thread or the like has been severed. A

10. Apparatus for severing thread or the like comprising severing means to which the thread or the like is supplied in a predetermined path of travel; means emitting a beam of light in proximity tothe unsevered thread or the like while it follows said predetermined path of travel; and, in proximity to the unsevered thread or the like, light-sensitive means adapted to be afiected by said light-emitting means to halt the severing operation in the event of deviation of the unsevered thread or the like from said predetermined path of travel.

11. Apparatus for cutting thread or the like comprising a source from which thread or the like is supplied; cutting means; nip rolls for feeding the thread or the like to said cutting means in a predetermined path of travel; means emitting a beam of light on one side of the uncut thread or the like while it follows said predetermined path of travel; light-sensitive means on the other side of the uncut thread or the like, said light-sensitive means being afiected by the light beam from said light-emitting means in the event of deviation of the uncut thread or the like from said predetermined path of travel; means actuated by said light-sensitive means for severing the thread or the like before it reaches said nip rolls; and means for withdrawing the thread or the like from said source after the thread or the like has been severed.

12. Apparatus for cutting thread or the like comprising a pair of nip rolls for feeding the thread or the like; a stationary blade over which the thread or the like passes from said nip rolls; a moving cutting blade which cooperates with said stationary blade to cut the thread or the like; and means for applying a jet of fluid in a direction holding the thread or the like in position on said stationary blade.

13. Apparatus for cutting substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into fibers of relatively short length comprising cutting means; conveying means disposed below said cutting means adapted 'to receive the cut lengths of thread or the like; and, disposed between said cutting means and said conveying means, rotating means operating to scatter the cut lengths of thread or the like substantially uniformly over said conveying means.

14. Apparatus for cutting substantially continuous lengths of thread or the like into fibers of relatively short length comprising cutting means; conveying means disposed below said cutting means adapted to receive the cut lengths of thread or the like; a rotatable disc-like member disposed beneath said cutting means mounted at an angle to its axis of rotation, whereby the cut lengths of thread or the like are spread over said conveying means; and means for rotating said disc-like member.

15. Apparatus for cutting thread or the like comprising a source from which thread or the like is supplied; at least one roll for feeding the thread or the like; a stationary blade over which the thread or the like is passed by said roll in a predetermined path of travel; a moving cutting blade which cooperates with said stationary blade to cut the thread or the like; means emitting a beam of light in proximity to the uncut thread or the like passing over said stationary blade; light-sensitive means disposed in proximity to the portion of said thread or the like passing over said stationary blade, said light-sensitive means being affected by said light-emitting means to halt the cutting operation in the event of a deviation or absence of the uncut thread or the like from said predetermined path of travel over said stationary blade; and means for applying a jet of fluid in a direction tending to hold said uncut thread orthe like in said predetermined path of travel over said stationary blade.

16. Apparatus for cutting thread or the like comprising a source from which thread or the like is supplied; at least one roll for feeding the thread or the like; a stationary blade over which the thread or the like is passed by said roll in a predetermined path of travel; a moving blade which cooperates with said stationary blade to cut the thread or the like; means emitting a beam of light in proximity to the uncut thread or the like passing over said stationary blade; lightsensitive means disposed in proximity to the portion of said thread or the like passing over said stationary blade, said light-sensitive means being affected by said light-emitting means to halt the cutting operation in the event of a deviation or absence of the uncut thread or the like from said predetermined path of travel over said stationary blade; and means for urging said u uncut thread or the like against said stationary blade without substantially impeding the motion of the thread or the like over said stationary blade imparted by said roll.

17. Apparatus for cutting thread or the like comprising a source from which thread or the like is supplied; at least one roll for feeding the thread or the like; a stationary blade over which the thread or the like is passed by said roll in a predetermined path of travel; a moving cutting blade which cooperates with said stationary blade to cut the thread or the like; means emitting a beam of light on one side of the uncut thread or the like passing over said stationary blade; light-sensitive means on the other side of the uncut thread or the like passing over said stationary blade, said light-sensitive means being affected by said light-emitting means to halt the cutting operation in the event of a deviation or absence of the uncut thread or the like from said predetermined path of travel over said stationary blade; and means for applying a jet of fluid in a direction tending to hold said uncut thread or the like in said predetermined path of travel over said stationary blade.

18. Apparatus for severing thread or the like comprising a source from which thread or the like is supplied; at least one roll for feeding the thread or the like; severing means to which the thread or the like is passed by said roll; a stationary surface between said roll and said severing means over which the thread or the like is passed in a predetermined path by said roll to said severing means; means emitting a beam of light in proximity to the unsevered thread or the like passing over said stationary surface; lightsensitive means disposed in proximity to the unsevered thread or the like passing over said stationary surface, said light-sensitive means being aflected by said light-emitting means in the event of a deviation or absence of the unsevered thread or the like from said predetermined path of travel over said stationary surface; and means for urging said thread or the like in said predetermined path of travel over said stationary surface without substantially impeding the motion of the thread or the like over said stationary surface imparted by said roll.

19. Apparatus for cutting thread or the like comprising at least one roll for feeding the thread or the like; a stationary surface over which the thread or the like is urged by said roll; a moving cutting blade to which said thread or the like is passed by said roll; and means for urging said uncut thread or the like against said stationary surface without substantially impeding the motion imparted thereto by said roll.

LAVERN J. JORDAN. 

